Bloomington, Indiana holds a farmers market every Saturday that draws thousands of people to the downtown area. Last month, fears of a vendor’s alleged ties to a White Supremacist group forced the mayor to close it down because of public safety concerns.
It appears some activists and online sleuths “used federal court records and the leaked archives of a far-right message board to uncover a digital trail they say connects the couple who own Schooner Creek Farm to an organization that promotes white nationalism and “white American identity.”
The New York Times reports that since discovering the couple’s alleged ties to a Hate Group, Bloomington residence “have packed public meetings to discuss whether Schooner Creek Farm should be asked to leave or allowed to stay. The meetings have sparked protests as well as counter-protests” and caused some vendors to consider bringing arms to the market for protection.
One week, Antifa has showed up at the couple’s booth. The following week, an armed, far right militia group went to the couple’s farm to protect them from Antifa and other left-wing activists.
Fox 59 interviewed one of the owners of Schooner Creek Farm, Sandra Dye. Dye said she is not a White Supremacist but labels herself a Identitarian.
Identitarian is widely defined as a far-right group that campaigns against immigration. Dye defined it as, “a way of viewing the world that emphasizes the importance of identity.”
Reporter Kayla Sullivan asked Dye if she brings her political beliefs to her produce booth but she said she doesn’t; she only wants to sell her produce like she has for nine years.
The city continues trying to resolve this matter but many residents and other vendors believe that removing Schooner Creek Farm would be the best solution. However, that could open the city up to an expensive First Amendment lawsuit.
